Old town in Greece. Interesting facts about the city of Rhodes - culture, attractions and entertainment. Rhodes Island: interesting facts

The city of Rhodes is a pearl and one of the largest historical centers in Greece. The ancient port is located in the north of the island of the same name, on the coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Today it is home to almost 50 thousand people employed in tourism, fishing and Agriculture.

Rhodes was founded in the early 5th century BC. e. It was in this polis of Ancient Greece that the famous Colos of Rhodes was located - one of the 7 wonders of the world. In 226 BC. e. As a result of the earthquake, the city was almost completely destroyed, and the world-famous landmark was wiped off the face of the earth. The city finally fell into decline 170 years after the death of Caesar.

The convenient geographical location attracted the attention of Byzantium to Rhodes. Between the 4th and 14th centuries, the old city was a naval base and strategically important port, the capital of the Quivirreota theme. Since 1309, Rhodes began to be governed by the Knightly Order, in 1522 the Ottomans captured Greek land, and at the beginning of the 20th century the Italians ruled here. As a result, modern Greece received unique city, combining the features of antiquity, Byzantine style, Baroque and Gothic, a cultural capital and a powerful military base.

Interesting fact! During its history, Rhodes was subjected to strong earthquakes several times. Thus, in 515 he lost almost half of the territory, and after the disaster of 1481 there were practically no ancient temples left in the city.

What is worth seeing in the Old Town of Rhodes? Where are the most beautiful sights and where are the best beaches? The answers to these and other questions of tourists in Greece are in this article.

Sights of the city of Rhodes

Old city

Medieval Rhodes is a real open-air museum. It is a national landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything about this place, from the walls and gates to the churches and mosques, tells the story of the rich past of the city and Greece itself. If your time is limited, visit the following attractions in the Old Town of Rhodes first.

Walls and gates of the city of Rhodes

In the Middle Ages Old city There were 11 entrances, but to this day only five of them remain in working order - Eleftherias, Arsenal and Sea Gates, Gates d'Amboise and St. Anthony. All of them are real works of architectural art, decorated with battlements and surrounded by towers.

The walls of the Old Town can also be called a landmark of Rhodes. Almost 4 kilometers of brick fortifications protected the ancient policy from enemies right up to the 17th century. In some sections of the walls, built-in galleries and passages for sentinels have been preserved; anyone can enter there for a nominal fee.

Street of Knights

This 200-meter street was the main artery of the Old City back in the days of Ancient Greece - then it connected the Grand Port and the Temple of Geolios. Today it is one of the most colorful and unusual attractions of Rhodes, perhaps the only place where there are practically no traces of modernity in the form of shops or restaurants. During the day you can see the ancient coats of arms painted on each house, and in the evening you can enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the illuminated ancient buildings.

Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue and Jewish Museum

The oldest synagogue in all of Greece was built at the end of the 16th century and has been perfectly preserved to this day. This small building, built in the center of the Jewish Quarter, stands out for its unusual architecture and decoration.

The synagogue has a special gallery for women, a spacious hall where ancient Torah scrolls are kept, and a small museum with a large exhibition telling about the traditions and fate of the Jews. Religious ceremonies are held daily inside the synagogue; it is open every day, except Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Important! Entrance to the synagogue and museum is free. You can take pictures.

Another attraction from the times of the Knightly Order, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress occupies most The Old Town and it may take a whole day to walk around it entirely. If your time is limited, first visit:

1. The palace where the grand masters of the Order lived. Admission is free, but some rooms are closed to the public.
2. Kolachiumi is the only wall in the fortress that was built by the Byzantines and has survived to this day.
3. Archaeological Museum, built on the site of the Knight's Hospital of St. John. There is a small exposition of Greek household items from antiquity to the end of the 19th century, rare statues, and a collection of ceramics. The museum has several courtyards, one of which has a garden with a pond. The other two contain temporary exhibitions and the house of the Turkish vizier. The museum is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily. Ticket price is 8 euros for an adult, 4 euros for a child.
4. Socrates Street is a shopping street in the Old Town. Most shops are open from 10 to 23. There are many cafes and restaurants.
5. Be sure to walk along the moat between the walls of the fortress or walk along their tops to feel like a real knight. From here you can take the most spectacular photos of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Advice! There are several days a year when many attractions in Greece have free entry for everyone. Most often, this is April 18 (International Attractions Day), May 18 (International Museum Day) and the last Sunday in September (European Heritage Day).

Just outside the Old Town, in the Christian village of Sianna, lies one of the most famous churches in Greece. It was built in the 14th century and is very popular among local residents and tourists, because here you can venerate the relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon.

The building itself is beautiful and bright, the outside is decorated with lace decorative elements. The interior walls of the temple are decorated with frescoes and tell the story of the life of St. Panteleimon. Opposite the church there is an 850-year-old chapel where ancient icons are kept. There is a shopping street nearby where they sell natural products at inflated prices.

The temple is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day, admission is free. Services are provided upon request for a small fee.

In the city of Rhodes during the reign Ottoman Empire 14 mosques were built, the oldest of them was erected in honor of Suleiman the Magnificent. Its foundation dates back to 1522, it bears the name of the first Turkish conqueror of the island of Rhodes.

From the outside, the Mosque looks nondescript - it is a small light pink building with small windows and columns. Unfortunately, the minaret, which had high historical value, was removed 25 years ago because it was in disrepair. Today the mosque is almost always closed to visitors, but soon the restoration will be completed and tourists will be able to enjoy its rich and colorful interior.

The following attractions are worth highlighting separately.

Mandraki Harbor in the city of Rhodes is one of the largest on the entire island. For more than 2000 years, various ships have been sailing here, to the eastern wall of the Old City. Near the port there is beautiful embankment with souvenir shops and other shops, here you can also buy a ticket for a pleasure boat or order one day excursion. There are many other attractions around the harbour: the church, Freedom Square, the market and the Mandraki windmills.

The Colossus of Rhodes

Despite the fact that the statue of the ancient Greek god Helios was destroyed more than 2000 years ago, many tourists still come to Mandraki Harbor to at least look at the place where it was located. By the way, this entertainment is not a productive one - no information about the form or appearance has been preserved to this day. famous sculpture, nor about its exact location.

Nearby you can admire the modern symbol of Rhodes - a statue of deer. Their shape and location are still known.

Antique Olympic Stadium

Outside the Old Town there are also many interesting sights, one of them is the only fully preserved Olympic stadium in the world from the times of Ancient Greece. It was built almost 2,500 years ago and was intended for running and martial arts competitions. Today the 200-meter arena is open not only to curious tourists, but also to Greek athletes. At sunset here, from the upper spectator seats, you can do beautiful photos city ​​of Rhodes.

The stadium is located on the territory of the Acropolis, admission is free.

Be careful! Some tourists saw scorpions while walking around the stadium. Always watch your step to avoid accidentally stepping on them.

The upper town of Rhodes is located just above the Olympic Stadium, on the hill of St. Stephen. Its construction was completed in the 3rd-2nd century BC, and excavations of this architectural complex have been carried out for more than 60 years. Unfortunately, all that remains of the Acropolis are 3 high columns that were once part of the Temple of Pythian Apollo and the amphitheater. The unusual restored staircase to heaven attracts the greatest attention of tourists.

Entrance to the Acropolis costs 6 euros, for children under 18 years old it is free. From here you have beautiful views of the sea.

Beaches of Rhodes

As a rule, people come to the city of Rhodes to see the ancient sights, but also beach holiday also available here.

In the northern part of the city, on the coast Mediterranean Sea, located one of best beaches in Rhodes Greece - Elli. There are always a lot of vacationers here, half of them are local youth. The beach is bustling with life around the clock: during the daytime, the main focus is on calm and clean sea, at night - to the nearby cafe and discos that are held there.

Ella has a well-developed infrastructure. There are sun loungers and umbrellas (10 euros per pair), showers, changing cabins, a rental area, many water activities and the free icing on the cake - a diving tower located 25 meters from the sand and pebble coast.

Entering the water on Ella is convenient, but there is music playing around the clock, so this place is not the best option for relaxing with small children.

Kalavarda

The complete opposite of the previous one, the beach near the village of Kalavarda - perfect place for a secluded holiday, especially if you are not the most picky tourist. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers, shops or entertainment areas, but all this is compensated by the clean sandy coast, calm water and beautiful nature.

This perfect place for children, since Kalavard has a shallow bay with easy entry and always calm water. There are several toilets and showers on the beach, and there is an excellent restaurant within a 10-minute walk.

Akti Miauli

The pebble and sand beach, located in the center of Rhodes, will provide you with everything you need for have a great holiday. It is equipped with several hundred sun loungers and umbrellas, there are showers, toilets and other necessary amenities. Compared to Elli Beach, located nearby, there are much fewer people here. Akti Miaouli is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the water here is warm and clean.

The beach is easily accessible by public transport, within walking distance of several cafes, a supermarket, famous attractions. Entertainment options include a volleyball court, catamaran rental, and diving from the pier.

Important! Locals call Akti Miauli Windy beach, because in the summer it is constantly windy and waves rise here. Be careful when going on vacation with children.

Features of relaxation in the city of Rhodes

Accommodation prices

Rhodes is one of the most expensive cities of the Greek island of the same name, but even here you can relax with a small amount of money in your pocket. A double room in a three-star hotel costs on average 50 euros, but you can find options for 35 € per day. Apartments are rented at approximately the same prices in Rhodes - two travelers can stay in an apartment for 40 €, the average cost in the city is 70 €.

According to vacationers, the best three-star hotels in terms of price/quality ratio are:

Note! All prices indicated in the article refer to the “high” season. During the period from mid-autumn to the end of spring, the cost of living in hotels in the city of Rhodes may fall by 10-20%.

Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form

Cafes and restaurants

The most expensive restaurants are located in the Old Town of Rhodes, the cheapest are on the outskirts of the city, far from famous attractions. On average, a dinner for two without alcohol in a small cafe will cost 25 €, in a restaurant - from 45 €. Portions in all establishments in Greece are quite large.

Landmark for Musaka! Moussaka is one of the dishes of Greek cuisine, and experienced travelers advise judging the level of an establishment based on its price. On average, a serving costs 10 €, so if the price on the menu at the entrance is higher, this restaurant can be considered expensive, lower - budget.

The city of Rhodes – interesting and unusual place. Feel the atmosphere of Ancient Greece and enjoy a holiday on two seas at the same time. Have a nice trip!

An interesting and useful video about the city and island of Rhodes.

Related posts:

Old Town in Rhodes (Rhodes City, Greece) - description, history, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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Old, medieval Rhodes is a cultural site of world significance. It is like an open-air museum: every street, square or building is connected with some story about ancient times. It is one of the best preserved medieval walled cities in Europe.

The walls and gates of Rhodes are a topic for a separate story. And if you are looking for a starting point for exploring the Old City, you can start from Symi Square in front of the Freedom Gate, where the ruins of the ancient Temple of Aphrodite are located (a very popular, although very poorly preserved attraction). From Symi Square you can very quickly reach the famous Street of the Knights (Ipoton), which is located in the so-called Upper Old Town. It is the most popular among tourists among all the ancient streets. Its length is 600 m, and this is where the Hospitallers lived and worked in the past. The landscape of the street is very characteristic: it is straight, and the buildings on the sides are tall and often with almost solid walls, which creates a rather harsh impression. The street was carefully restored by the Italians in 1913-1916.

If you stay in the part of the Old Town that is closer to the sea and move south, you can walk to Hippocrates Square. In its center stands an ornamental fountain, which, together with the majestic staircase in the southwestern part, is the only reminder of the Castellania, which the Hospitallers built here in the 14th century. The square is very popular among tourists and locals, as there are numerous bars, cafes and eateries with outdoor terraces along the entire perimeter. In addition, it costs a lot historical buildings: for example, the Castellania library in the Epavlis mansion. Also from the square begins Socrates Street, the most popular shopping street on the island.

You can get to Hippocrates Square directly by entering the Old Town through the Sea Gate from the Trade Harbor.

Next to Hippocrates Square is the Square of Jewish Martyrs. It has a second unofficial name - Seahorse Square - because of the corresponding fountain. A memorial to the victims of the Holocaust is erected in the square in memory of more than 1,600 Jews of Rhodes who were deported to Auschwitz (only 151 of them survived).

Old town in Rhodes

If you walk east from the Square of the Jewish Martyrs, following the curve of the harbor, you can reach the Church of Our Lady of Burgh. It stands on the easternmost border of the Old City, in the Jewish Quarter. The Gothic church was built in the 14th century and is poorly preserved, but it is the oldest building of the Hospitaller era, not counting the city fortifications.

The old town of Rhodes is not just a tourist attraction: it is quite residential, with a population of approximately 6,000 people.

Also located in the Old Town are the Municipal Baths (aka Turkish Baths). The Byzantine building, built in the 17th century, stands on Arionos Square. This is one of the few places in Greece where you can enjoy a hammam. Visiting the baths is not expensive at all, and many tourists come here, but you need to keep in mind that the baths are only open half the days of the week.

Practical information

If we consider the city of Rhodes as a peninsula, then the Old Town occupies its eastern part: this is everything that is beyond the medieval walls, and almost up to the three city harbors.

Let's consider Interesting Facts about Rhodes in brief. The island has a rich cultural heritage, the ruins of ancient cities, fortresses, castles, palaces and acropolises have been preserved here.

• Rhodes is famous for one of the 7 wonders of the world - Colossus of Rhodes, 37 meters high, erected in 285 BC. BC, which was located in the port of Mandraki at the entrance to the harbor. The Colossus of Rhodes personified the ancient Greek Sun God Helios. Outwardly, the Colossus of Rhodes represented a huge young man, in one hand he had a bow and arrows, and the other hand with a cup was raised high above his head.
• The Colossus of Rhodes was destroyed by an earthquake in 227 BC uh. Now all that remains of this wonder of the world are columns on which there are statues of deer.
• The medieval world first learned about the ancient Rhodian cities when the ancient athlete Diagoras won in Olympic Games . Now the airport "Diagoras" is named in his honor.
• According to the myths of Ancient Greece, the island of Rhodes belonged to the sunny god Helios, son of the titan Hyperion. The Greeks believe that the god Helios fell in love with the nymph Rhoda, the daughter of Amphitrite and Poseidon. The island of Rhodes was named in honor of Rhoda.
• The island of Rhodes was the most important center Bronze Age(16th century BC), thanks to cooperation with the Minoan civilization of the island of Crete.
• During the construction of Constantinople Hagia Sophia Clay tiles from the island of Rhodes were used.

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Facts about Rhodes

• The first settlers of Rhodes were from Crete islands, then the Phoenicians and Dorians.
• The Greeks believe that the first settlement on the island of Rhodes was founded by a mythical hero ancient Greece Hercules (Hercules). However, historians have found that the first to settle in Rhodes were fishermen who took refuge here from storms at sea.
• The city of Rhodes, where medieval buildings are well preserved, was founded in 5th century BC with the unification of the political forces of Lindos, Ialyssa and Kamiros.

Medieval city of Rhodes: interesting facts

• The medieval old town of Rhodes is included in list world heritage UNESCO.
• The fortress in the city of Rhodes is one of the largest in Europe.
• Along the perimeter, the walls of the Rhodian fortress are about 4 km.
• Emblem of the Knights of Rhodes - eight-pointed white cross, depicted on many buildings on the island. Now this cross is called the Maltese cross.
• In the Middle Ages, the island of Rhodes was divided into 2 parts: Collachy and Burg. Knights and masters settled in Kollahie. Ordinary people lived in Burg. Knights and masters built a large number of beautiful buildings and structures, some of which have survived to this day.
• The medieval city of Rhodes was surrounded by a 4-kilometer stone wall, which protected it from invaders. It was possible to get to Rhodes only through one of 11 gates.
• In the old town of Rhodes there is a medieval Street of Knights. It dates back to the 14th century and has now been completely restored. The Knights Hospitallers (Johannites) who visited Rhodes were stationed on this street. Now you can see medieval knightly residences - auberges.
• The fortress in the old city of Rhodes was the center Collachia, where the Rhodian knights lived. Also, local residents could hide here from dangers. The fortress withstood several earthquakes, but was destroyed by an accidental explosion in 1856. Drawings were found in the fortress of Rhodes, according to which historians and architects were able to recreate the original appearance of many buildings and structures. Today, historical exhibitions are displayed in the fortress in the old town of Rhodes.
• One of the most memorable architectural monuments of the Rhodes Fortress on the Street of the Knights of John of the Middle Ages is Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello), built in the 14th century. It looks very inaccessible - like a fortress within a fortress. The cathedral itself is square in shape with a courtyard closed from prying eyes. The palace has 205 halls and rooms where exhibitions are currently displayed. Nowadays, the palace can be visited on a guided tour. The entrance fee in 2019 is 6 euros.
• In battles, knights came out dressed in red cloaks under armor so that when wounded, no blood is visible. The knights fought fiercely and did not show that they were wounded until they fell dead.
• Knights Hospitaller of St. John stayed in Rhodes 213 years and left a colossal cultural and historical heritage.
• In 1522, after a 6-month siege, Rhodes fell and was conquered Suleiman the Magnificent. The knights had to leave Rhodes, and Charles V and the Pope were forced to search for the knights new house in Malta. After these events, the Knights of Rhodes began to be called the Knights of Malta.
• The Knights of Rhodes left their legacy on everyone Dodecannes Islands, as well as on the Asia Minor coast - now it is a city Izmir in Turkey.

Interesting facts about Rhodes: Lindos city

• Lindos is home to the world's only ancient Greek Olympic Stadium. It is considered an analogue of the stadium of ancient Olympia.
• Acropolis in Lindos was founded 2600 years ago and has survived to this day. In popularity it is surpassed only by the Acropolis in Athens. The Temple of Athena of Lindos is located here. Now you can visit it on a guided tour. The entrance fee in 2019 is 12 euros.
• Marble sculpture of Nike of Samothrace was created by the hands of the sculptor Pythocritus from Lindos in 190 BC. partly of Rhodian marble. She was later discovered on the island of Samothrace. Now this sculpture can be seen in the Louvre in France.

Rhodes Island: interesting facts

• There is a city in Rhodes Kamiros, which is one of the 3 ancient cities of the island. The other two are Ialyssos and Lindos. The city flourished due to agriculture. Kamiros cooperated in trade with Asia Minor and the southeastern Mediterranean. Now you can see the ruins of the ancient city.
• In the village Asklipio, named after the ancient Greek god of medicine, is located in the southeast of Rhodes Orthodox church Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Byzantine style. The temple dates back to the 11th century and has survived to this day. This is the most ancient temple on the island of Rhodes.
• In the 1st century BC. in Rhodes it was customary Christianity, and the Metropolitan from Rome moved here. When the Turks captured the island of Rhodes, they rebuilt all the Christian churches into mosques. Later, when the Turks were driven out, the inhabitants of the island converted all the mosques into temples.
• Rhodes has become a place of pilgrimage to Church of Saint Tsambika, who is considered the patroness of those who want to have children. People come from all over Greece to pray to her and neighboring countries. You can read many wonderful stories when Saint Tsambika helped even in the most hopeless situations.
• In the city Ialyssos The Acropolis of Achaia and the ruins of ancient temples, which were erected in honor of Athena and Zeus, have been preserved.

• Rhodes is included in Schengen zone. The main currency on the island is the euro.
• The island of Rhodes is located at the confluence of two seas - Aegean and Mediterranean. The boundary between them is clearly visible, and the waters do not mix.
• There are more than 300 sunny days per year.
• In Rhodes the temperature never drops below -3 degrees.
• Most of Rhodes' budget comes from tourism income.
• Rodov Island rings two lane road, you can drive around in a circle in 2 hours.
• Almost half of the island of Rhodes is occupied pine and cypress forests.
• Rhodes is one of the most safest islands in the world.
• Perimeter coastline amounts to 225 km.
• On the entire island of Rhodes there are only 115,000 people from the local population. Of these, almost 50,000 are in the city of Rhodes. All in Rhodes there are 44 cities and settlements.
• The name of the island "Rhodes" means "rose".
• The coat of arms of the island of Rhodes depicts deer. The same one that stands on a column in the place of the Colossus of Rhodes.
• Despite its small size, the island of Rhodes has airport. It's called Rhodes Airport "Diagoras" and is located 14 km from the city of Rhodes in Paradisi.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of the same name and one of the most interesting cities in Greece. Knights Hospitaller, Turks, Byzantines, ancient (and not so ancient) Greeks - different civilizations lived here for centuries. That's why the center of Rhodes is literally crammed with interesting things. So, are you ready? We go on a walk to the Old Town of Rhodes and explore its history and amazing sights along the way!

Old Town of Rhodes: attractions with reviews, descriptions and photos + map in Russian

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: contents of the article

A Brief History of the City of Rhodes

To begin with, the history of the city of Rhodes in just a few sentences. Ancient city Rhodes was founded in 408 BC in the north and immediately became its capital. It was here that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built. True, it stood for only half a century and was destroyed by an earthquake in 225 BC. From ancient times until the beginning of the 14th century, Rhodes was part of Byzantium, and in 1309 the Knights of the Order of St. John, also known as the Hospitallers, came there. The knights built their capital here and It was under the Hospitallers that the old city of Rhodes was created and surrounded by a fortress wall, where medieval buildings have been well preserved to this day. At the beginning of the 16th century, the city of Rhodes was captured by the Turks, who ruled the city for almost 400 years. In 1912 they were briefly replaced by the Italians, and since 1948 the island and the city of Rhodes have been part of Greece.

Well, that's enough history, and now - the most interesting thing: the sights of the city of Rhodes, for which it is already worth coming to Greece! By the way, you can explore them not only on your own, but also as part of an excursion with a Russian guide, which you can book on the website:

Rhodes fortress

Actually, the Rhodes Fortress is the Old Town of Rhodes, which is surrounded by powerful fortress walls and gates. Inside these walls are the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes: the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, etc. The Rhodes Fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the XIV-XV centuries. It was considered the most impregnable in the Christian world, withstood several sieges, but the persistent Ottomans still took it in 1522 after a six-month siege by the army of Suleiman the Magnificent (yes, the same one from the series). The Turks allowed the knights to leave the island and they moved to Malta, making it their new capital.

The fortress is surrounded by strong stone walls. The main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes are hidden behind them.

Inside, the Old Town of Rhodes is a wonderful mixture of Greek and Turkish styles.

The magic of the Old City. Once you turn a corner, you are transported to another universe, where there are no noisy tourists and kebab sellers.

Palace of the Grand Masters

This palace is perhaps main attraction of Rhodes city. This beautiful building has stood in its place (see the map of the sights of the old town of Rhodes at the end of the article) for more than 700 years. For more than two centuries that the knights owned Rhodes, 19 masters (and all, as if by choice, great ones) sat in the Palace in turn. When the Turks took the island, they set up a prison in this place. And already under the Greeks, to whom the old city of Rhodes passed in the middle of the last century, a museum was opened in the castle. No, not even two museums!

Entrance to the Palace of the Grand Masters - the main attraction of the Old Town of Rhodes.

The courtyard is decorated with sculptures and tourists, but in the low season most of the tourists are under restoration.

Museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters

The inside of the Palace of the Grand Masters is no less impressive than the outside. And, as has already been said, it is not even one, but two museums! The first is a museum dedicated to the knightly period of the history of Rhodes, consisting of two hundred huge halls and rooms. Furniture made of precious wood, huge chandeliers and fireplaces, antiques - the Greeks perfectly managed to recreate the luxury and splendor that surrounded the religious leaders of the Middle Ages.

And on lower floors The Palace of the Grand Masters houses a museum of antiquity. It exhibits many interesting archaeological finds, made in the territory of both the city of Rhodes and the entire island. Many statues, coins, amphorae and other specimens are perfectly preserved. It's a pity, filming inside is prohibited. Ticket price – 6 euros.

I admit, we are not big fans of museums and did not go to them even in Amsterdam. But we made an exception for the museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters and did not even expect that we would like it so much! We highly recommend this place to you.

The interiors of the Palace of the Grand Masters of Rhodes are designed in the loft style that was fashionable at that time.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: You can freely photograph the upper floors of the Palace of the Grand Masters, but taking pictures in the Museum of Antiquity is prohibited.

What a good idea for a renovation!

Street of Knights

The main street of Old Rhodes starts right from the entrance (or exit?) to the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Hospitallers, the houses of each of the seven “languages”, that is, the residences of the nations that were part of the order, were located on it. There were seven such nations: England, France, Italy, Germany, Castile, Provence, Aragon, Auvergne (a region within modern France), and the buildings of the Street of Knights were divided between them. Since the street is the main one, it is on it that the most beautiful buildings of the Old City, it is on it that Beautiful (and not so beautiful) Ladies in cornflower blue dresses play the flute to this day, and it is on it that Noble Knights utter something in Latin, stumbling over cobblestones.

Eh, the Street of Knights has become different! Previously, knights played serenades for ladies, but now it’s the other way around.

Dashing horses await riders in the stables on the outskirts of the Street of Knights.

Suleiman Mosque

The Turks ruled Rhodes for four centuries and, of course, It is impossible to imagine the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes without Muslim buildings. Having taken Rhodes in the 16th century, the Turks settled in the city center and drove the indigenous population outside the fortress walls. It is not surprising that in some places Old Rhodes has become very similar to the famous one. The most beautiful example of Ottoman architecture is considered to be the mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, built in honor of you know who at the very beginning of Turkish rule on the island. It is located on the main shopping street of Rhodes, Sokratos, where it is mainly not the Greeks who sell souvenirs and kebabs, but the descendants of the Janissaries.

The Suleiman Mosque is located on the busiest street in Rhodes - st. Socrates. You won't pass by!

Clock tower

The clock tower was built in knightly times and is located next to the Suleiman Mosque. This is the most high point in the center of the capital. There is an observation deck on the Clock Tower, from which you can see beautiful view to the sights of the old town of Rhodes, the sea and Mandraki harbour. Ticket price for observation deck– 5 euros, accompanied by a drink of your choice: coffee, tea, juice or wine.

From the Clock Tower you can clearly see the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Mandraki Harbor

After walking along the ancient streets and admiring the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes, we will go out to breathe the sea air in the ancient port of Mandraki. The port here was built before our era and it was here that the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes stood. The current appearance of the port, as can be seen from its architecture, was given by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th-15th centuries.

Once upon a time, Mandraki Harbor in the city of Rhodes was the main sea gate of the island. Now this is one of the favorite vacation spots for citizens and tourists.

Statues of Deer and Reindeer

It is unlikely that this sweet couple can be included in the main attractions of the city of Rhodes, but since we are already in the port, it is very worth paying attention to these monuments. Firstly, bronze statues are installed on both sides of the entrance to the port, that is, where the legs of the legendary Colossus used to be located. Secondly, at one time deer saved Rhodes from snakes. The islanders were not allowed to live Poisonous snakes, and to fight them with " big land“They brought in deer. These animals cannot stand snakes and, at the slightest opportunity, strive to trample them into dust. In just a few months, good decisively defeated evil, and the grateful islanders erected a monument to their saviors in the most iconic place.

The Deer and the Reindeer saved Rhodes from the snakes and took the place of the Colossus of Rhodes.

Fort St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors. It is not surprising that the Byzantine church built on the southernmost pier of the port of Mandraki was dedicated to him. In the middle of the 15th century, the pier was strengthened in case of a sea invasion and in its place a fort with a lighthouse was built, today considered one of the main attractions of the city of Rhodes.

What to see in the city of Rhodes: the fort was built on the site of the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas.

Windmills

Previously, there were three dozen windmills in the Old Town, but only three of them have survived to this day. Windswept, they stand in Mandraki harbor next to Fort St. Nicholas. Of course, they don’t make flour in them anymore: today the mill buildings house museums, souvenir shops and travel agencies.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: today the windmills have turned into shops and offices of travel companies.

Rhodes Cathedral

Well, the last of the attractions located in the port of the Old City is Cathedral Rhodes, also known as the Church of the Annunciation. A very beautiful neo-Gothic style church built by the Italians in 1925 and fits perfectly into the medieval architectural ensemble city ​​of Rhodes. During our travels around Greece, we got used to the ascetic interior of local churches and therefore were surprised by the rich decoration of the cathedral. The church is very popular among both tourists and local residents; weddings are often held here, one of which we were lucky to see in person.

“Do you agree to be with her for richer and poorer, in health and in sickness, until death do you part?”
- Yes, no, yes, no, no.

Map of the Old Town of Rhodes with attractions in Russian

As you can see, friends, the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes are very worthy of your attention. Therefore, even if you come to the island with the goal of lying on the beach, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of its ancient capital! Moreover, you can see all the most interesting things in the city of Rhodes on your own and in just one day. Well, two at most.

And the city of Rhodes is a very convenient place where you can stay on the island to explore its attractions. We ourselves lived in the city of Rhodes and we have a selection good hotels from Booking, in each of which we could stay.

We are waiting for your feedback about the attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes! And in the next article we will tell you about.

Island of Roses - Rhodes, like all of Greece centuries-old history went through a lot.
Geographical position Rhodes made it a tasty morsel for all Mediterranean countries. The island was located at the crossroads of maritime trade routes between Asia and Egypt.
Rhodes was conquered, it became free, then conquerors came again.

The main attractions of the island are located in its capital - the city of Rhodes.
This city is not only a concentration of unique architectural monuments, but also a wonderful resort, with beautiful hotels, beaches, numerous shops, salons, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs.

A holiday here is suitable for those who do not like monotony, silence and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Life in the city is in full swing - a trip to the capital can be a real holiday, colorful and educational.

Weather

The climate of Rhodes is ideal for relaxation. The most comfortable months for travel are April – May and October – November. During these months, the daytime temperature is 20-24 degrees, and the water is still cold for mass swimming - 18-20 degrees.

The hottest months are from June to September. The air warms up to 28-30 degrees, and the water 22 degrees in June, 24-25 degrees in July - September.

But Rhodes did not get its name - “Island of the Sun” - by chance - there are 300 sunny days a year.

Rain falls mainly in the winter months: December, January and February.

Story

Almost one and a half thousand years BC, this beautiful fertile land, near the coast of Asia Minor, was owned by the Achaeans. Around 1100 BC they were supplanted by the Dorians, who created the Union of Six Cities.

From 164 BC Rhodes became an ally of the Roman Empire for a long time.
In 1309, after a long and stubborn resistance of the Rhodians, the knights of the Jerusalem Order of St. John, the so-called Ionites, took possession of the island for more than 200 years. These were people from all the Catholic countries of Europe who wanted to free Jerusalem from the infidels.

They helped pilgrims and dreamed of Christianizing the entire East. It's interesting that while dreaming about this, they oppressed Orthodox Church in Rhodes.
Rhodes owes its medieval architectural appearance to the ionites.

In 1522, after a months-long siege, the well-defended city was captured by the Turks.

The Ionite knights fled to Malta and have since been called the Knights of Malta. The Order of Malta still exists today.

The Turks settled in Rhodes for almost four centuries. The island's important trading position high level The lives of the inhabitants led to the fact that Turkish oppression in Rhodes was not very strong.

Skilled artisans and successful traders, the Rhodians had many privileges compared to other Greek colonies captured by the Turks.

In 1912, the Turks were replaced by Italians, who had a noticeable influence on the architecture of the island. They built such notable buildings as the Palace of Government, the National Theater and the Courthouse.
The Italians conducted many archaeological excavations and restored numerous ancient monuments.

On the island, Mussolini built a dacha, which he had never visited. Today it is completely abandoned and is not shown to tourists.

Only in 1948, after the German occupation, Rhodes again became part of.

How to get there

It operates on the island of Rhodes.
Charter flights during the holiday season they fly from many Russian cities, in particular from Moscow. The flight takes 3 hours 10 minutes.

Airplanes fly from Athens, Thessaloniki and many Greek islands all year round. takes only 50 minutes. In addition, there is a ferry from Athens to Rhodes.

An economy class ticket from Transaero to Rhodes there and back will cost 22,700 rubles. You can find tickets cheaper if you buy them in advance or from low-cost airlines.
The cost of a flight from Athens to Rhodes when purchasing a ticket in advance on the company's website is 24 euros. The closer the departure date, the more expensive the ticket.

The cost of a ticket purchased a few days before departure will range from 65 to 100 euros. The ticket price does not include the cost of baggage transportation. The cost of transporting luggage up to 23 kilograms is also paid online and costs 15 euros.

If you pay for luggage at check-in, it will cost more. The planes of Greek airlines that fly from Athens to Rhodes are quite old and the service is primitive. During the flight, you can only count on a very limited selection of drinks. But the flight is so short that all the inconveniences can be survived.

Rhodes is separated from Athens by about 500 kilometers. The ferry covers this distance from 10 to 16 hours. During the voyage he visits many islands, and this trip can be considered an excursion. Of course, if traveling by sea is enjoyable, and seasickness does not torment you. The sea is an unpredictable element.

The cost of a ferry ticket depends on the type of cabin chosen, and ranges from 20 to 170 euros. Discounts are provided to children from 4 to 10 years old (50 percent); in economy class cabins, children under 4 years old travel free of charge. Rhodes Airport is located 16 kilometers from the capital of the island.

There are several ways to get to the city of Rhodes:

• use taxi services. The trip to the city center will take about 20 minutes and will cost, depending on the class of car, about 2,000 rubles;
• The most economical transport is a bus, which runs every 15-30 minutes during the day. Travel time by bus is approximately 300 minutes. Ticket price 2.20 euros;
• If your vacation plans include traveling around the island, it is advisable to book a car rental in advance, it is more reliable and cheaper.

There is a special website that presents the coordinates of all companies providing car rental services. Website address: http://www.rhodes-airport.org. The cost of renting a car per day depends on the make of the month, and starts from 16.50 euros per day in May.

To arrange a rental, a driver's license with an English transcription is required. The driver must be at least 21 years old and not more than 70 years old. The cost of a liter of A95 gasoline costs 1.7 euros.

Some hotels provide airport transfer services. The availability of such a service can be found when booking a hotel room.

Where to stay

The city of Rhodes, as well as throughout the island, is full of hotels of different star categories. Many of them are located in the Old Town or very close to it. After spending half a day on the beach, the second half of the day can be spent leisurely walking around the Old Town, visiting shops and markets.

Rodos Park Suites & Spa 5*

This luxurious five-star hotel is set in beautiful gardens.

The rooms offer magnificent views of the Knight's castle in the Old Town or garden.

The hotel provides tourists with a full range of services typical of a high-star hotel:

• open pool;
• Spa;
• bio – sauna;
• Gym;
• fitness center;
• massage;
• Turkish bath;
• hydromassage baths;
• restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine;
• parking;
• car rental.

The Galaxy Roof hotel bar offers excellent cocktails and is popular among tourists and city residents.

Accommodation prices start from 12,886 rubles per night for a double room.
But the hotel’s impeccable service, Russian-speaking staff, beautiful interiors, spacious, comfortable rooms, live music in the evening, and a magnificent sandy beach not far from the hotel are worth the money.
The hotel has only 59 rooms.

Address: Rhodes city, 12, Riga Fereou Street.

Mediterranean 4*

The undoubted advantage of this four-star hotel is its location on one of the most famous sandy beaches Rhodes.

Nearby is the Old Town and the Aquarium.
The hotel is large, has 241 rooms, but each of the rooms has an original interior and modern furniture. Despite the proximity to the sea, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with umbrellas and sun loungers.

Guests can enjoy:

• tennis courts;
• Beach volleyball;
• water sports on the beach.

Tourists note the excellent cuisine of the restaurant, which has a Russian menu, a buffet with a variety of snacks, and cocktails at the pool bar.

Prices for one night's stay in a double room start from 8,845 rubles.

From the roof there is a beautiful view of the sea, the port and the medieval city.

Address:: 35, Kos (Cos) Str, Rhodes 85100, Greece.

Rhodos Beach 3*

Rhodos Beach Hotel is an excellent three-star option budget holiday.

The Aegean Sea can be seen from the windows of half of the rooms, the windows of the other half of the rooms overlook the garden.

The hotel is located on the first line, on Canari Beach. The city center and the Old Town are a 10-minute walk away. The distance to the port of Rhodes is 1 kilometer.

The hotel beach is sandy and pebble, with a gentle entrance to the sea.

The hotel has 2 outdoor swimming pools, one of which is for children. For sports lovers there are tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts.

The minimum price for a double room per night is 6,022 rubles. In terms of price/quality ratio, this hotel is one of the best. It is no coincidence that the majority of tourists vacationing here are foreigners.

Address: 19, Akti Kanari Street 85100 RODOS, DODEKANISSOS, GREECE.

Moschos 2*

Hotel Moschos has only 31 rooms, and is located in a small three-story building. The 2-star hotel is located in the city center, and is aimed at real travelers who spend only the night in the room and travel the rest of the time.

This hotel is an ideal place for tourists on a budget who want to see amazing monuments the city of Rhodes, visit fashionable shops, stroll around the port (only 500 meters).

A night in a double room costs from 2828 rubles.

Free parking and Wi-Fi are available in public areas of the hotel. Elli Beach is only 200 meters away.

An additional bonus is the provision of free accommodation for 1 night, provided that you stay at the hotel for 10 days.

Breakfast is included in the room rate.

The hotel is ideal not only for a budget holiday, but also for short stays of 2-3 days. The disadvantages include small rooms and not very good view from the windows.

Address: 5 Ethelonton Dodekanission Street, Rhodes, Greece.

Africa 2*

The two-star hotel is located on the first line, 100 meters from the pebble beach of the Aegean coast. Water activities are available for tourists on the beach.

The Old Town is a 5-minute walk away.

The hotel is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and taverns. Literally a few steps away: port, aquarium, casino.

The staff is friendly and welcoming. The service provided corresponds to the price.

A night costs from 1,351 rubles, but the hotel does not provide meals. This does not create any inconvenience: there are many taverns and cafes very close by.

Address: Alexiou Diakou 63, Rhodes 85100, Greece.

Sights of the capital

The city of Rhodes is one of the most beautiful cities not only of the island, but also of Greece. Inspection historical monuments different eras may take more than one day.

The Palace of the Grand Masters or the Castello Palace was both a temple of Helios and a Byzantine fortress.

During the time of the Knights, the Palace was the center from which the Masters of the Order ruled the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Turks used the Palace as a fortress. The 158 rooms are decorated with precious carpets, antique furniture, magnificent vases and marble mosaics.

The Street of Knights in the Old Town leads to the Palace.

The palace is open: Monday 12.30-07.00, Tuesday – Sunday from 08.30-19.30.
Ticket prices: adult 6 euros, children 4 euros, common for all museums of the Old Town 10 euros.
Telephone: + 30 22410 23359.

Next to the Palace there is a bastion, tickets for which can be purchased at the Palace ticket office.

It is interesting to climb the clock tower in the Old Town.

The view of the Old Town from above is magnificent. A ticket to the tower costs 5 euros. The ticket comes with a coupon that entitles you to a free drink at the tower bar.

The Archaeological Museum is located next to the Palace, on Museum Square.

During the time of the Knights of St. John, it was a hospital to which sick people came from all over Europe. It is surprising that already in the 15th century, every patient, regardless of financial status, had a separate bed and medical care in the hospital.

A two-story building with two-level arcades, inside of which there is a cozy courtyard, has survived to this day. The Archaeological Museum located here is a unique collection of art objects ranging from the Mycenaean era to more later eras Greek civilization.

The most famous exhibit is the statue of Aphrodite. Mosaic floors, terracotta figurines, funeral slabs from the time of the knights and much more can be seen in this magnificent museum.

The museum is open daily: from 8.00 to 19.40, on Monday from 13.30 to 19.40.
A ticket to the museum costs 3 euros.
Telephone: +30 22410 75674.

The Rhodian Acropolis is one of the most interesting places cities.

In ancient times, the acropolis united sanctuaries, temples, and underground vaults in the most fortified part of the city. The most famous building of the acropolis is the Temple of Apollo Pythian, which was built in the 2nd century BC.

The territory of the huge Pythian Stadium, which used to host competitions in honor of Apollo of Pythia, is today used as a theater. There is an indoor ancient theater called the Odeon on the acropolis, where famous speakers performed.

Acropolis works: from November 1 to March 1 from 8.30 to 15.00. The entrance is free.
Telephone: +30 22410 25500.

For many centuries, the Rhodes Fortress defended the city from numerous enemies. The fortress was built in the 15th century by the Knights of the Order.
After two long blockades in the 15th century, which did not lead to the capture of the fortress, it began to be considered impregnable. Today the fortress is a unique monument of medieval architecture, included in the UNESCO list of monuments.
You can visit the monument daily, free of charge.

North of the Old Town is the port of Mandraki, founded in 408 BC.

The entrance to the port is guarded by statues of deer and fallow deer. There is an assumption that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, depicting the pagan deity Helios, was previously located in the port.

The height of the Colossus was more than 30 meters. In the ancient port, as before, ferries, ships, yachts and boats arriving on the island moor.

On the embankment there are such architectural monuments as the Provincial Palace, the Evangelical Church, and the Church of the Virgin Mary.

The port offers tourists a wide variety of sea walks.
The most interesting of them is a trip on a boat with a transparent bottom, which costs 5 euros. In addition to the bottom of the sea, you can see the embankment of the Old Town from the sea.

Where and what to eat

The taverns of the city of Rhodes are famous for their delicious Greek cuisine, large portions and excellent local wine. Of course, prices are higher on the tourist “trails” than a little further away from them.

Approximate cost of meals:

• on average, breakfast for two costs 15 – 20 euros;
• dinner 40 euros with drinks;
• lunch in a tavern costs 30-35 euros for two (lunch consists of: salad - 6 - 8 euros or soup 6 - 10 euros, main course - 8 - 15 euros, juice - 4 - 5 euros, glass of wine - 4 - 5 euros ).

If the main dish is seafood, then its cost is 40 euros.
In the Old Town, in a small restaurant or cafe you can find food at other prices.

For example, for a huge portion of cold cuts of sausages, kebabs, wings, potatoes and vegetables, you can pay 10 euros. And for 60 euros for two you get a portion of lamb, a glass of beer and local wine.
Taverns and restaurants often offer a compliment from the chef as a sign of gratitude for visiting.

Prices in supermarkets and shops:

• A 1.5 liter bottle of water costs 0.7 – 0.9 euros;
• 1 liter of juice - 1.2 euros;
• homemade wine costs from 5 euros per 0.5 liter;
• beer in cans 0.45 euros;
• kefir 300 ml - 2.5 euros;
• chips 2 euros;
• pineapple sliced ​​500 grams – 3 euros.

Entertainment

Nightlife in the island's capital is varied. There are many pubs, restaurants, night clubs. In the summer, concerts of Greek music and dance are very popular in the open-air theater.

Dance lovers can choose from several nightclubs with dance floors.

At the Angel pure Club, which is located in the Old Town, you can hear disco, Latin and Greek hits.

Fans of rock music and metal should visit the Valhalla Rock Bar Rodes club in the Old Town.

Huge dance floor of the Paradiso nightclub Beach Club designed for 4 thousand people. The club plays dance music, electro, techno and house.
There is a whole entertainment complex around it with an excellent bar and relaxation area.
Nearby, in a separate building, there is a casino with slot machines and roulette. The magnificent restaurant at the casino offers delicious Greek and European cuisine and a varied wine list.
Club and casino address: Nikiforou Litra str., complex Rodia Mare, Kallithea Beach, Rhodes Island.

In the center of Rhodes town there is the most exotic club - Butik Club. The design of the club includes details of a pirate ship, palm trees, waterfalls, parrots and, of course, music.
The menu includes original cocktails and dishes with seafood delicacies. The club is open daily.

• HAVANA, located at Miltiadou Str. 9, Rhodes; Tel: +30 6944314724;
• TAJ MAHAL, located at Iliadon 2, Ialysos, Rhodes; Tel: +30 22410 29220;
• Colorado Club; Orfanidou Str. 57 and Akti Miaouli, Rhodes, Tel: +30 22410 75120; Website: www.colorado.gr.

Shopping

There are so many shops in the old and new parts of the city that it is impossible to pass by while walking around Rhodes.

offers jewelry made of silver and gold: earrings, pendants, chains, bracelets for tourists with any income level. The store has a wonderful selection of opal products, as well as Byzantine icons.
The entrance to the store is located next to the arch at the entrance to the medieval part of Rhodes from the sea. Jewelry purchased in this store is a wonderful memory of the sunny island!

Jewelry store Alexandra Gold– one of the most expensive and luxurious jewelry stores in Rhodes. Exquisite jewelry made of gold and platinum with precious and semi-precious stones made by jewelers of Rhodes and jewelers of European countries.

Afrodite Store attracts customers with its original design, as well as an excellent collection of women's clothing designed for any age. In the shop a good choice genuine leather products: bags, vests, wallets. The store carries brands Von Dutch, Bosco and INDIES.

Shop Diakosavas offers collections of expensive clothing from such popular brands as Timberland, Nautica, Polo by Ralph Lauren, La Martina, Trussardi Jeans, The Bostonians. The store offers a large selection of original shoes and accessories. Despite the fact that the store opened only in 2010, it is very popular among both city residents and tourists.

Royal Carpet Store sells carpets self made from different materials. An original feature of carpets is the use of silver and cotton in the production of carpets.
The store also offers vases, icons, lamps and other interior items.

Avanti Furs Store offers a huge selection of top quality fur products.

Sportswear and paraphernalia can be purchased at Columbia Sportswear.

For souvenirs and gifts, you should head to the Jannis shopping center.

Clothes made from natural fabrics, dresses, tops, trousers, sundresses, T-shirts with a Rhodes theme in bright colors can be bought in many Rhodes stores. These relatively inexpensive purchases will remind you of a pleasant and unforgettable vacation.

In numerous markets in the capital you can try and buy spices and honey. Unlike shops, you can bargain well here.

Everyone will enjoy shopping in the city of Rhodes. But prices here are the highest on the island. To save money, you can go shopping in shopping centers in the outskirts of the city, where trips are often offered free of charge directly at the hotels.

Emergency services

When going on vacation abroad, no one thinks about any emergency situations. But practice shows that they sometimes happen. Then it will be very useful to know the emergency phone numbers.

Emergency numbers in Rhodes:

• Police: 100;
• Fire service: 199;
• Ambulance: 166;
• Information service for duty pharmacies: 107;
• Information service for emergency hospitals: 106;
• Tourist police: 171.

The most common emergencies that arise are health related. Every tourist traveling to Greece must have 30,000 euros.
Insurance policies are issued by many insurance companies, some of which have offices at the Greek Embassy and Consulates.

A visa will not be issued without a medical insurance policy. Along with the insurance policy, a reminder is issued with telephone numbers to call if the need for medical assistance arises.

The dispatchers on these phones speak Russian. A common mistake tourists make is turning to hotel doctors who provide their services for a fee. Only doctors called through dispatchers specified in the instructions to the insurance policy will provide medical services free of charge within the limits of the insured amount.